New York Mets fans react to Starling Marte's hot Spring Training debut, hitting a double and home run in two at-bats: "Glad he's back!"

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte made his spring training debut on Friday against the Houston Astros. He has been taking spring training slowly, coming off his injury-riddled season last year. Marte underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a torn core muscle that was bugging him for much of the season.

It didn't look like Marte skipped a beat. He went 2-for-2, tallying two RBIs. He hit a double in his first at-bat and launched a home run in his second. If this is the type of player the Mets are getting, the rest of the league better be on notice.

Marte said he felt good after the game. He's excited to be getting healthy at just the right time. He thinks he'll be 100% by the time opening day rolls along.

Starling Marte played through injuries for much of the 2022 season. He missed time with groin tightness last season and then fractured his middle finger, which cost him the last four weeks of the regular season.

"Marte Parte! Glad he is back!" one fan tweeted.

"If he doesn't get injured, I see Mets at the WS," another fan tweeted.

Starling Marte became a fan favorite last season when he pushed through his fractured finger in the postseason. As a hitter, not much is harder than trying to hit when you don't have complete grip and strength.

New York Mets fans are ready for the season to get started. They have high expectations for their team. Maybe even higher now after seeing what Marte did in his debut.

A healthy Starling Marte would be huge for the New York Mets

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins

Given all the injuries Starling Marte went through last season, he still hit .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Those are great numbers for somebody who missed 44 games and played through pain.

The New York Mets need him in the lineup more often than not if they want to compete for a National League East title. It will be a tough division as the Philadelphia Phillies look good. Signing Trea Turner in the offseason makes them scary.

You can also never count out the Atlanta Braves. Their team is full of young stars who have really stepped up when their names have been called. Expect another fantastic season from Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II again.

The NL East is going to be a battle all year long. Don't be surprised if it comes down to the final regular-season game.